Warwick Farm stablehand banned over racial remark
Racing NSW has suspended licensed stablehand Kevin Harding for six weeks after he admitted striking a horse with a towel and making a racially offensive remark to fellow participants at Warwick Farm.
The penalty follows an investigation launched by Racing NSW investigators after an incident at the Warwick Farm training centre on June 19.
Stewards found Harding guilty of improper conduct after CCTV footage and witness interviews established he struck a thoroughbred on the rump with a towel in a whipping motion as the horse was being led past the hose bays, creating a risk of injury to the horse, its handler and others nearby.
Harding also pleaded guilty to directing the comment, “You are a guest in our country”, towards licensed foreperson Ashish Kumar and another participant, with stewards finding the remark insulted them on the basis of their race, descent, national or ethnic origin.
Stewards imposed a four-week suspension for the improper conduct charge, reduced from six weeks for Harding’s early guilty plea, and a three-week suspension for the racial vilification charge, reduced from four weeks.
One week of the second suspension will be served concurrently, resulting in a total suspension of Harding’s stablehand licence for six weeks.
In determining the penalty, stewards considered Harding’s early guilty pleas, disciplinary history, personal and professional circumstances, the seriousness of the offences, and the need to deter similar conduct while maintaining a safe and respectful workplace within the racing industry.
